Queen's Speech outlines government's legislative agenda

The Queen has delivered her annual speech at the state opening of Parliament, in which she outlined the government’s legislative agenda.

This year's speech differed to speeches given in previous years: it outlined the government's legislative plans for the next two years, as opposed to one.

Earlier in the week, the government took the decision to cancel the 2018 Queen's Speech in order to give MPs 'extra time to deal with Brexit laws'.

Brexit proposals granted to the UK government include the power to make any future changes to UK laws, flexibility to accommodate trade agreements with the EU and other countries, control over the import and export of goods and the ability to end the free movement of EU citizens into the UK.

Other proposals outlined in the speech include a data protection bill designed to strengthen consumers' rights, a national insurance contributions (NICs) bill aimed at 'making the NIC system fairer', and a financial guidance and claims bill, which establishes a new statutory body to co-ordinate the provision of debt, money and pension guidance.

Business groups have responded to the Queen's Speech. Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: 'While Brexit isn't the top immediate priority for many businesses, firms of every size and shape want to avoid turbulence and confusion during the Brexit transition. The government's proposed bills on trade, customs and immigration must minimise adjustment costs and maximise opportunities.'

Meanwhile, Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), commented: 'It's good to see commitment to special support to help British businesses export to new markets around the world, which we look forward to engaging with the government on.'